distance can’t get in the way of safeguarding dogs

The Northern Dogs Project empowers First Nations in Canada to thrive together with dogs.

Problem

First Nations in Canada are often in remote places, hours away from veterinarian assistance. So, in many First Nations communities, dogs are found roaming in the street.

Left with few options, some communities culled their dog populations, leaving people and animals traumatized.

Solution

Many communities wanted another option. That’s how IFAW’s Northern Dogs Project began.

First, we built relationships with First Nations across the country, to understand the challenges, then together we built comprehensive programs to address the issues.

Today, we offer veterinary services, culturally relevant education, and real-life solutions for communities that would otherwise not have them.

Over 20 years, the Northern Dogs Project has created everyday impact. Fewer puppies are being born, and fewer are dying from disease and starvation.

The dogs’ average life spans have gone up, and conflict between people and animals has gone down.